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Artisan Catherine Offei Kwapong loves giving traditional West African styles a contemporary twist, which she does wonderfully with this pretty beaded necklace. She strings the patterned sese wood beads by hand in an alternating pattern that is centered by three leopard print beads. A brass hook is used to fasten the long necklace.

Catherine is an impactful member of her community and is constantly giving back. She supports mothers and children by covering their education fees so children in her community can empower themselves through further education and knowledge.

In a very short time period, Catherine lost two of her sisters and was betrayed by her fiancee who left her for her best friend. During this challenging time Catherine went through a great deal of pain and, although it can still be painful for her, she was able to overcome it and now is a role model for many women in her life.

Meet the Artist

West Africa

"When I attended parties, I'd see women dressed up in beautiful beaded necklaces and I wondered how to create jewelry myself."

"My name is Catherine Offei Kwapong and I was born in Tema-Kpone in 1965.

"I mastered how to style hair, create wedding décor, floral decoration and weaving wreaths. When I attended parties, I'd see women dressed up in beautiful beaded necklaces and I wondered how to create jewelry myself.

"I was fortunate to meet a teacher who was skilled in crafting beaded jewelry. I started with the basics and my teacher realized how quickly I learned. It took me about five months to master this craft. Then I began teaching other people and this helped me improve.

"I specialize in modern African beaded jewelry, and use bamboo, dried calabash gourd, clay and other materials. I sometimes have helpers when I have to create many designs. I choose people who are loyal, hard working and committed.

"I hope to help needy and poor children. My dream is to open a vocational school to teach beadwork and crafts to street children and orphans. For a while, I lived with my sister in Tema and learned a lot from the orphans there. I was able to teach the older ones to weave. It's been a privilege to help these children. They are very innocent, and caring for them has given me joy and peace."